The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2025 issue - Magazine - Page 61
Zoning enables the differentiation of messages across a site.
Regardless of where people may be situated, they can be
instructed to take the safest course of action based on their
location and the location of the attacker. Lockdown can be
initiated where evacuation is not possible, while people in
buildings or an outside space situated away from the danger
can be instructed to leave the campus. Educational settings
gain the ability to flexibly instruct different people in
different ways depending on the situation.
Supporting a tested, refined and drilled plan
Zoned mass communication systems are intuitive in that
they allow authorised personnel to easily initiate a critical
broadcast from a number of potential communication
devices with an easy-to-use app. Distribution of tailored
messages can extend beyond sound, reaching screens and
mobiles (either audibly or silently as required) for full
coverage. With AI text-to-speech functionality, staff can
send out clear and concise messages when under pressure.
This technology is an integral part of a comprehensive
incident response plan that supports testing and drilling,
a key component of the requirements of Martyn’s Law.
By exercising a number of different scenarios, including
lockdowns, staff will quickly become cognisant of the system
and its role in effective emergency response.
A step change towards a security-conscious culture
Martyn’s Law is a positive move towards safer educational
settings. To prepare for its requirements, educational
institutions must prioritise the integration of mass
communication systems with their robust incident response
plans. They can help keep students and staff safe through
targeted, location-specific instructions during a crisis.
Coupling these systems with regular training, testing and
scenario-based drills will be critical for building confidence
among staff and students, ensuring swift, appropriate
responses in the event of an emergency.
The introduction of legislation is also representative of a step
change towards a more security-conscious culture in the UK.
It’s important for educational institutions to communicate
with parents and other family members that these initiatives
are not being introduced to incite fear or because of any
specific threat to their setting. The aim is to help keep
students, children and wider communities safe from a
range of threats in the years to come.
